Travellers threatened with 'court action' after pitching up in Prestwick

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Council chiefs have threatened travellers with court action after they pitched up near playing fields in Prestwick.A turf war has broken out after the travellers refused to leave the site at the Oval.Council officials served a notice to eject the the unauthorised encampment on Friday (July 28).

Travellers were given until 12 noon on Sunday, July 30 to leave the site.But as of today (Monday) the camp, made up of five caravans and other vehicles are still stationed in the field near to Prestwick Swimming Pool, Prestwick Cricket Club and football pitches.Councillor Hugh Hunter has been left stunned by the encampment after officials at South Ayrshire Council had taken steps to prevent travellers from accessing the Oval.The Independent councillor for Prestwick has told how a padlock has been recently broken as he urged the council to take further prevention steps.Councillor Hunter told Ayrshire Live: "They’ve ignored our first order to leave the site so we’ve been forced to go to court to get an eviction notice. “Our hope is they’ll abide by the court decision and leave. “It is really disappointing, we thought the council had secured the Oval and we wouldn’t have them again. “One of the barriers appears to have had the padlock broken.

We don’t know who is responsible for that but it has allowed them to drive in.“We’ll need to review this and put further measures in place.A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at the Oval in Prestwick."Notice to eject was served on Friday 28 July, and court proceedings are being commenced to clear the site as quickly as possible.” Read next: Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter